Reminder: Stephen Hawking wanted you to know you could end up with Zayn Malik in another universe

The world lost someone truly special this week: legendary scientist Stephen Hawking died at age 76, his family confirmed on March 14th. Hawking passed at his home in Cambridge, England. The renowned physicist’s life work was incredibly impressive, from his book, A Brief History of Time, to his studies on black holes and relativity, to his commitment to living a full life after being diagnosed with ALS. But aside from being a literal genius, Hawking was also known for his wit and humor. Never forget: Hawking once told girls they could end up with Zayn Malik in another universe. It sounds small, but it’s such a great example of his wonderful personality.

What exactly are we talking about? Back in 2015, Hawking spoke at the Sydney Opera House, appearing in holographic form on a giant TV streaming from Cambridge University in the U.K.

Hawking spoke about many important things, as usual, but one quote really stood out. One audience member asked Hawking, “What do you think is the cosmological effect of Zayn leaving One Direction and consequently breaking the hearts of millions of teenage girls across the world?”

Hawking responded in the best possible way, saying, “Finally, a question about something important.”

Reminder that when Stephen Hawking was asked abt teen girls being upset over Zayn Malik leaving One Direction he gave the sweetest answer: pic.twitter.com/zqspMOH3Aw

He went on to say, "My advice to any heartbroken young girl is to pay close attention to the study of theoretical physics. Because one day there may well be proof of multiple universes. It would not be beyond the realms of possibility that somewhere outside of our own universe lies another, different universe. And in that universe, Zayn is still in One Direction."

Lastly, he added,

"This girl may like to know that in another possible universe, she and Zayn are happily married."

Is that not the best response ever given? It kind of makes us tear up just thinking about Hawking’s reaction to that question. Not all scientists would have been into that kind of conversation, but Hawking really made his answer something special.

This is just one story that shows how incredible Hawking was. We can’t say the world will be the same without him in it.